Return to space for Spanish ESA...( Duque a member of ESA's astronaut corp...)

His mission takes its name from Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), author of Don Quixote. The main purpose of this 10-day mission is to carry out an extensive scientific programme comprising a series of experiments in the fields of life and physical sciences, Earth observation, education and technology. Most of these will be performed by Duque in the Russian part of the Station; others in NASA's Destiny laboratory, including use of the Microgravity Science Glovebox, a scientific research facility developed in Europe.

"A trip into space is not something you can do every day", said Duque, "so I am determined to use every moment to the fullest and perform the various experiments as proficiently as possible. I am proud to be representing almost 40 million Spanish citizens".

From a European perspective the Cervantes mission is also important because it increases ESA's astronaut experience ahead of the launch of Columbus, Europe's own laboratory, to the Space Station. Pedro Duque has worked previously on the development of Columbus. He reviewed its design in terms of operability and maintainability and checked on ergonomic aspects of its structure.

The ongoing development of Columbus and its research facilities will benefit from the 'hands on' experience he will get during his stay on the ISS.

Other important objectives of the Soyuz 7S/Cervantes mission are to exchange the ISS Expedition crews and the Soyuz TMA-2 spacecraft currently attached to the ISS.

Duque will be Flight Engineer in the Soyuz TMA-3 on the ascent phase to the ISS, taking an active role in piloting the spacecraft. The other crew members are Russian Rosaviakosmos cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri, the Commander, and NASA astronaut Michael Foale. Kaleri and Foale, the ISS Expedition 8 crew, will stay on the st
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Contact: Franco Bonacina
franco.bonacina@esa.int
33-1-53-69-7155
European Space Agency
16-Oct-2003